In the SUV segment, there are a ton of options available to consumers. But in terms of name recognition and popularity over a long period of time, the Ford Explorer is definitely one of the most notable alternatives. And while the SUV's overall popularity dipped during the recent economic downturn, it's starting to become a more attractive option again as people get back on their feet and need larger vehicles.

I recently got to spend some time in a four-wheel-drive 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, and I'm back with a full report on how it compares to other SUVS/crossovers in the marketplace today.

LOOKS

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My initial reaction to the looks and outside design of the Explorer is that it's large enough to transport a lot of folks but not oversized or imposing. The design was also pretty sleek and attractive overall compared to other SUVs.

Dan Corsetti, consumer marketing manager for Explorer and Flex, said the Explorer is definitely an SUV, not a crossover like many competing vehicles are labeled. Still, he said that Ford's new models in this are "moving toward a much more modern, more practical usable large utility segment"

For a few years the Explorer has no longer been based on a longer truck platform (meanings it's less capable off-road), instead sharing a unibody platform with the Taurus, Flex, and Lincoln MKX. You lose some height, but some basic off-roading could still be done as long as you're not getting overly adventurous. It's definitely a vehicle primarily made for everyday us in normal conditions, though, and it's still plenty capable for basic towing or driving in the snow or mud on occasion.

INTERIOR

Inside the Explorer, you get an ample amount of space in which to move around comfortably. Seating can be for 6 or 7, depending whether you go with a bench or bucket seats in the second row. The seats are comfy, and the back row had an impressive amount of leg room compared to some other three-row vehicles I've tested.

The biggest sacrifice with a vehicle with three rows is in rear storage space, as you're not going to get much room behind the third row. You can fold down the back row if it's not in use and create a much large space if you need to pack a lot into the Explorer.

DISPLAYS, TECH SYSTEMS

Those who opt for the MyFordTouch system will get a center console featuring an 8-inch touchscreen that controls everything from music to climate and much more.

The MyFordTouch system has been one of my favorite overall in-car systems I've tried over the years, as it's very easy to learn and responsive to voice commands. If you don't want to be pushing a bunch of buttons, you can let your voice do the work for just about everything, and maintain your focus on the road. I rarely had to repeat commands.

More base versions of the Explorer come with Ford's Sync system, and will not feature the larger screen in the center console.

My test vehicle also had two 4-inch screens that featured easy access (via steering wheel buttons) to Information about the car, from mpg info to control of the music source.

ENGINE, MPG

Powering the Explorer Sport I tested was a 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine with turbocharging and direct injection. It features a powerful 365 horsepower, and 350 foot-pounds of torque, which is best in class. I was impressed with the overall drive quality and ability to get up to speed (0-60 in about 6 seconds). My vehicle got about 18 mpg on average (16 city/22 highway). The base Explorer gets 17 city/24 highway in front-wheel-drive version.

There are other engine packages that provide better mpg, including a 2-liter EcoBoost that features 28 mpg highway.

Corsetti said the approach on the Explorer is to "offer great fuel economy without paying for a hybrid"; The Toyota Highlander is the only competitor in this category that does offer a hybrid version.

TOWING

You get a 5,000 pound towing capacity, which is on par or better than most of its competition. There are also standard features called trailer sway control and hill assist.

The trailer sway control corrects to get your car back in line if a gust comes, so the Explorer keeps what you're towing in line. With hill assist, if you are parked on a steep ramp, the vehicle won't roll back on you.

PORTS, ETC.

The Explorer Sport comes standard with Sony Audio, has multiple AUX jacks, and comes standard with MyFordTouch. A USB port is standard, as is Bluetooth calling and music streaming. Rear climate control is also standard, allowing the second row to set their own temps.

You can option up to get push-start, cooled seats, power liftgate, and ambient lighting.

If you want to keep the kids busy in the second row on trips, there is an optional rear DVD system offered on XLT models and above.

Music sources include AM, FM, CD, and a six-month trial of satellite radio.

DRIVE QUALITY

I had a full house in my vehicle several times, and it still drove very well even with the crowd. Turns were still nimble, and I was impressed with the low noise level in the vehicle.

"We spent energy and time on making sure the noise and vibration attributes are positive, a vault-like serene driving experience," Corsetti said of the Explorer.

In terms of how it compares to its many competitors, Corsetti said it's a "high-performance SUV you can live with on a daily basis ... no tradeoff between performance and refinement. A nice people mover."

SAFETY FEATURES

The Explorer features dual-stage front airbags, side curtain airbags, rollover sensor, and a knee airbag for the passenger.

One unique feature you won't find on competitor's vehicles is the second-row inflatable seatbelts. They expand and distribute crash force across the chest of the occupant so the seat belt doesn't dig into collarbone, which is a helpful safety feature.

You can also opt for a system that offers blind spot warnings and also gives you a warning if vehicles are coming down the street you're about to back up into, even before you see the vehicle that is coming. In this system, sensors in the rear bumper will detect vehicles coming perpendicular.

PRICE

If you're just looking for a base version of the Explorer, it starts at $29,100. This is in line with the base price of most SUV competitors, but you'll miss most of the technology features I am mentioning here. It's still a solid SUV, just a no-frills version.

The next level up is XLT, which most Explorer buys tend to choose. You can get MyFordTouch, leather seats, all-wheel drive, more interior features, chrome door handles, etc.

The highest-end models of the explorer are called Limited, and feature more luxury features (standard leather, auto high-beams, collision warning and brake assist that lets you set the distance to the vehicle in front of you, lane departure and lane keep assist features, active park assist (self-parking) and more.

My Sport model of the Explorer that I tested was a variant of the XLT model, which takes away some of the luxury amenities from Limited (lane keep feature, etc.); and is more focused on making an SUV that handles well and is fun to drive. It also has a unique look from the standard XLT, with a black grille, trim and wheels, plus a suspension with higher spring ratings. My test vehicle came in at $47,390, which shows the wide range of the Explorer's price depending on what options and trim level you choose. The Sport base price is $40,780, but my test vehicle featured navigation and the blind spot/rear crosspath monitoring system, push start and other extra features.

BOTTOM LINE

I've driven many different SUVs/crossovers over the past year, and the experience I had in the Explorer was among the most positive I've had. There's a lot of technology in it, but it's easy to learn how to use it very quickly. The focus is safety, and there is a good amount of innovation to be found.

The biggest stumbling block, as with all SUVS, is the price. While the Explorer isn't necessarily outlandish compared to the competitors, be prepared to shell out a good chunk of change, especially if you go for the tech features I've talked about. While the economy is coming back, the amount of folks who can shell out for 40K or more for a car isn't exactly huge still. If you just want a nice ride and don't care about all the technology, you can go for the base model at under $30K.

The competition in the 3-row vehicle market is stiff, though (Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango, Nissan Pathfinder); with each automaker having their own set of innovations and positive attributes.

Beyond the technology, my overall experience with the Explorer Sport was that it offered a smooth and quiet ride, nimble handling for an SUV, and an attractive look inside and out. For folks looking for the capatcity to carry large numbers of people around, I would recommend giving the Explorer a test drive, along with some of its competitors, and seeing if it's the one that strikes your fancy, which is a very distinct possibility.